Traveling to the gym daily can be a hassle. Most people spend around 30 minutes traveling to and back from the gym. Lifters who train six times a week waste around three hours weekly on this commute. On the other hand, the workout sessions of most hobbyist lifters last less than 30 minutes.
Contrary to what most people think, you don’t need fancy equipment or even a gym membership to build an aesthetically appealing physique. You could lose weight, build muscle, or improve your endurance in a barebone home gym. The best part? The equipment doesn’t even take up a lot of space.
Most people have limited space in their homes and don’t want to waste their sacred real estate on gym machines, and we totally agree. Considering the needs of many home gym enthusiasts who live in small apartments or don’t want to turn their garages into gyms, we have compiled a list of 17 pieces of exercise equipment you can tuck away in a cupboard after each use.
The best part? These 17 compact exercise equipment are budget-friendly and won’t break the bank. Remember, you don’t need to get all 17 of these to begin your transformation journey. Begin with any one or two and add to your equipment arsenal as you gain more experience.
In this article, we dive into the 17 compact exercise equipment for your home gym and break down the pros and cons of each machine to help you make the right buying decision. Without further ado, here are the best compact exercise equipment that should be on your watchlist:
Top Best Compact Exercise Equipment Tested/Ranked:
- Best Overall: Maxpro Fitness Cable Home Gym
- Best Push-Up Board: Hotwave Portable Push-Up Board
- Best Vibration Plate: LifePro Waver Vibration Plate
- Best Resistance Bands: Veick Resistance Bands
- Best Under-Desk Treadmill: DeerRun Walking Pad Treadmill
- Best Under-Desk Cycle: Himaly Mini Exercise Bike
- Best Aerobic Stepper: BalanceFrom Adjustable Workout Aerobic Stepper
- Best Kettlebells: Yes4All Adjustable Kettlebell
- Best Dumbbells: Buxano Adjustable Dumbbell
- Best Barbell: Bells of Steel Utility Bar
- Best Weight Bench: Flybird Adjustable Strength Training Bench
- Best Foldable Squat Rack: PRx Performance Fold-In One Squat Rack
- Best Cardio Equipment: Concept2 SkiErg
- Best Skipping Rope: Lifeezy Speed Jumping Rope
- Best Gymnastic Rings: Pacearth Wooden Olympic Gymnastic Rings
- Best Weighted Vest: Runmax Adjustable Weighted Vest
- Best Exercise Mat: Amazon Basics Extra Thick Exercise Mat
How Much Does the Best Compact Exercise Equipment Cost?
The best compact exercise equipment can range between $13.99 and $1,219.99, depending on the category, brand, quality, and versatility. Below is the complete list and what we love about each product:
| Category | Product | Name | Price | Why We Love It |
| Best Overall |  |
Maxpro Fitness Cable Home Gym | $799 | Incredibly versatile for folks with limited space and who want to invest in just one training equipment. |
| Best Push-Up Board |  |
Hotwave Portable Push-Up Board | $59.99 | Train your lower and upper body and core on a budget. |
| Best Vibration Plate |  |
LifePro Waver Vibration Plate | $199.99 | An underrated training equipment that can significantly improve your balance. |
| Best Resistance Bands |  |
Veick Resistance Bands | $19.73 | Comes with multiple attachments that improve its functionality. |
| Best Under-Desk Treadmill |  |
DeerRun Walking Pad Treadmill | $109.99 | Excellent for people who spend most of their days at their work desks and want to get more active. |
| Best Under-Desk Cycle |  |
Himaly Mini Exercise Bike | $43.99 | A low-impact compact exercise equipment you can use while seated. |
| Best Aerobic Stepper |  |
BalanceFrom Adjustable Workout Aerobic Stepper | $19.99 | A great tool for people into HIIT training. |
| Best Kettlebells |  |
Yes4All Adjustable Kettlebell | $84.99 | A value-for-money, high-quality adjustable kettlebell. |
| Best Dumbbells |  |
Buxano Adjustable Dumbbell | $189.99 | An excellent option for home gym owners into strength training. |
| Best Barbell |  |
Bells of Steel Utility Bar | $199.99 | A must-have equipment for serious lifters. |
| Best Weight Bench |  |
Flybird Adjustable Strength Training Bench | $139.99 | A foldable weight bench that you can store in your cupboard after each use. |
| Best Foldable Squat Rack |  |
PRx Performance Fold-In One Squat Rack | $499.99 | A sturdy squat rack that can hold up to 1,000 pounds, and you can fold in toward the wall after each use. |
| Best Cardio Equipment |  |
Concept2 SkiErg | $1,219.99 | The best full-functionality compact cardio equipment for your home gym. |
| Best Skipping Rope |  |
Lifeezy Speed Jumping Rope | $13.99 | Excellent for exercisers who want a speed rope for double-unders and crossovers. |
| Best Gymnastic Rings |  |
Pacearth Wooden Olympic Gymnastic Rings | $39.99 | A minimalistic training equipment for people with limited space in their home gym. |
| Best Weighted Vest |  |
Runmax Adjustable Weighted Vest | $49.99 | An excellent choice for people into bodyweight workouts. |
| Best Exercise Mat |  |
Amazon Basics Extra Thick Exercise Mat | $20.15 | A must-have for all home gym owners. |
Top 17 Best Compact Exercise Equipment
Given below are the best compact exercise equipment in various categories:
Best Overall
Most beginners make the mistake of settling on a particular type of training routine too quickly, for example, bodybuilding, CrossFit, or HIIT. Folks who are just getting into the fitness lifestyle should get a versatile training tool that allows them to perform different types of workouts and figure out what works best for them. This is precisely where our pick for the best overall category shines.
Maxpro Fitness Cable Home Gym
The Maxpro fitness cable home gym is a new-age innovative training equipment that fits most training needs. This 9-pound training equipment can deliver up to 300 pounds of resistance. If this isn’t witchcraft, what is?
The Maxpro fitness cable home gym comes with a travel backpack ($115 value), D-handle attachments, wrist wraps, a long handlebar for exercises like the lat pulldown, and a door anchor, which allows you to use this machine like a cable pulley.
You could connect this machine to its phone app via Bluetooth, and it will track your weights, reps, workouts, calories burnt and overall progress. It will then analyze your performance and give you relevant feedback. You could also follow customized training programs to achieve your training objectives.
The Maxpro fitness cable home gym is a concentric resistance training (CTR) machine, meaning the resistance is engaged during an exercise’s lift (or pull) phase. This is also the most significant difference between this machine and the conventional cable pulley machine. The cable pulley keeps constant tension on your target muscles throughout the range of motion, whereas you’ll feel no tension on your muscles during the lowering phase while using the Maxpro fitness cable home gym. While adding the eccentric tension would have been awesome, concentric training is enough for hobbyist lifters.
Many people might be on the fence about buying the Maxpro fitness cable home gym because of its price. Although this machine has a $799 price tag, it allows you to perform different workouts in every movement plane. Plus, its workout and progress-tracking features make it a budget-friendly alternative to the $3,995 Tonal.
Who Should Buy Maxpro Fitness Cable Home Gym?
- People with limited space in their home gym.
- Advanced lifters. This machine offers a 300-pound resistance.
- People who want training equipment they can use for full-body workouts.
- People who want smart tracking features. This machine has built-in Bluetooth to track your training progress.
- Those who want high-quality portable training equipment they can travel with.
- Those who want a machine they can add to over time. Maxpro offers accessories like a wall mount and flat bench that significantly boost the machine’s functionality.
Who Should Not Buy Maxpro Fitness Cable Home Gym?
- People on a shoestring budget.
- Lifters who want to do concentric and eccentric training on the same training equipment.
- Lifters who want to see the weights they are lifting in pounds. This machine has a weight setting from 1 to 25, where 1 is 5 pounds, and 25 is 300 pounds. However, the dials on the sides don’t mention the pound value.
Folks who want compact exercise equipment that can fit in a backpack but is also heavy enough for strength training should go with the Maxpro Fitness Cable Home Gym. It weighs 9 pounds but offers a 300-pound resistance, making it an excellent tool for beginners and advanced lifters alike.
Maxpro Fitness Cable Home Gym Coupon
Maxpro Fitness Cable Home Gym Coupon
Best Push-Up Board
Push-up boards are incredibly versatile training equipment that is often overlooked. You could use it for strength training exercises like push-ups and squats and also for high-skill gymnastics exercises like L-sits and handstands.
Hotwave Portable Push-Up Board
Push-up boards come in different shapes and sizes, but our pick for this category is the Hotwave portable push-up board. Here is why:
This board uses durable ABS ductile plastic that can handle up to 300 kilograms, making it perfect for the biggest athletes. It has multiple hand-grip placements to train your upper body from different angles and ensure overall development.
The Hotwave portable push-up board also has sturdy metal hooks on both ends to attach the four resistance bands that are included in the box. These bands deliver a resistance of up to 140 pounds, which is ample for most people who train at home. This board also comes with D-handle bars, ankle straps, a door anchor, loop extensions, and a straight bar to perform exercises like shoulder presses and barbell back squats. Plus, you could attach the two included wheels to the bar to perform ab wheel rollouts.
You could also use the resistance bands, straight bar, and door knob without the board to train different muscle groups.
If all of this isn’t enough, you can fold the Hotwave portable push-up board in half, which makes storing it in congested spaces incredibly convenient. It also comes with a backpack to carry it with you while traveling.
Who Should Buy Hotwave Portable Push-Up Board?
- People on a tight budget. Consider this push-up board a cheaper version of the Maxpro Fitness Cable Home Gym.
- People who want foldable training equipment.
- Those who want a piece of compact exercise equipment for full-body workouts.
- Individuals who want training equipment that comes with multiple attachments.
- People dealing with injuries or in rehab.
Who Should Not Buy Hotwave Portable Push-Up Board?
- Exercisers who want to lift heavy in their workouts. That said, you could purchase and add multiple resistance bands to each side to make the exercises more challenging.
Squats, push-ups, shoulder presses, chest flyes, there isn’t anything the Hotwave portable push-up board cannot do. Use it in your HIIT workouts to lose fat or attach the 140-pound resistance bands to bias hypertrophy.
Hotwave Portable Push-Up Board Coupon
Hotwave Portable Push-Up Board Coupon
Best Vibration Plate
Vibration plates are underutilized training equipment that can help build muscle mass and strength, improve mind-muscle connection and core strength and balance, boost circulation, and promote recovery.
LifePro Waver Vibration Plate
The LifePro Waver Vibration Plate offers 99-speed settings, allowing you to set your training intensity as per your experience level and training objective. Although this machine has a strong motor, it makes minimal sound, making it perfect to use in any part of your home.
This vibration plate comes with a remote control to adjust the machine’s speed while you’re using it. It also features an easy-to-read display at the top, which gives all the necessary information at a glance.
The LifePro Waver Vibration Plate has two D-handle and four loop resistance bands that you can attach to its side and use for exercises like shoulder presses, bicep curls, side lateral raises, and overhead triceps extensions.
This vibration plate comes in six colors, allowing you to pick one that goes well with your home’s interiors. This way, the vibration plate doesn’t stick out like a sore thumb but improves your home’s aesthetics.
The LifePro Waver Vibration Plate comes with a free training manual that helps you make the most of this machine. Plus, it gives you access to the LifePro online video library that has trainer-led workouts.
You can use this compact exercise equipment for full-body workouts. Performing unilateral lower body exercises on this machine, like single-leg Romanian deadlifts and lunges, can improve your overall core strength and balance.
The LifePro Waver Vibration Plate is small enough to store under a sofa after each use or in your cupboard. This machine weighs just 15 kilograms (33 pounds), making it compact enough to take with you while traveling. Moving around your house while holding in a single hand is also very convenient. Nonetheless, this machine has a maximum user weight capacity of 330 pounds.
Who Should Buy LifePro Waver Vibration Plate?
- People who want compact exercise equipment for full-body workouts.
- Those who want to improve their overall balance and core strength.
- People who want a remote-controlled vibration plate.
Who Should Not Buy LifePro Waver Vibration Plate?
- People on a shoestring budget.
- Exercisers who want an oscillating vibration plate.
- Seniors who want a vibration plate with side rails.
LifePro Waver is our pick for the best vibration plate on the market. The machine is durable and has 99 speed settings, which makes it perfect for users of all experience levels. LifePro also offers a video workout library to help you make the most of this equipment.
LifePro Waver Coupon
LifePro Waver Coupon
Best Resistance Bands
Resistance bands are among the most versatile compact training equipment. You could easily fit multiple resistance bands in your gym bag and use them for full-body workouts. They are relatively inexpensive and last a very long time. There is no reason why you shouldn’t own a pair of resistance bands.
Veick Resistance Bands
The market is flooded with different types of resistance bands, but the Veick resistance bands tick all the right boxes. However, for the scope of this article, we want a resistant band that comes with multiple accessories so you can use them in various workouts.
The Veick resistance bands come as a set of five, comprising 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50-pound bands. Alternatively, you could combine the five resistance bands to achieve a total resistance of 150 pounds, which is more than enough for most people who train at home.
These resistance bands come with two D-handle attachments, two ankle straps, a door anchor, and a travel bag. You could hook these resistance bands to a sturdy object like a vertical pole for exercises like the banded chest flies, anchor them to a door to perform exercises like the lat pulldown or single-arm row, or stand over them and perform resistant band bicep curls.
You could use this compact exercise equipment for strength training, plyometrics, cardio, suspension, yoga, pilates, and function training. Plus, they are light enough to carry with you while you’re on the go.
Advanced exercisers and home gym owners can use resistance bands on exercises like the barbell squat, bench press, or leg press to change the resistance profile of the machines, which can help promote hypertrophy by increasing the time under tension. (1)
Who Should Buy Veick Resistance Bands?
- People on a tight budget.
- Those who want to use the resistance bands for full-body workouts.
- Those who want bands of different resistances.
- People who want resistance bands for their strength training regimens.
- People dealing with injuries or under rehabilitation.
Who Should Not Buy Veick Resistance Bands?
- People who want loop resistance bands.
Whether you are dealing with injuries or training for a new personal best (PB), you can use resistance bands in your training regimen. The Veick resistance bands’ design and accompanying accessories make it one of the most versatile resistance bands on the market and an excellent tool for most lifters.
Veick Resistance Bands Coupon
Veick Resistance Bands Coupon
Best Under-Desk Treadmill
Many people succumb to a sedentary lifestyle as they cannot make time to hit the gym or go for a walk due to their hectic work schedules. If you are facing the same issue, you should get an under-desk treadmill.
Walking 10,000 steps daily is one of the most popular fitness trends of this decade. A study by the Brazilian Journal of Physical Therapy showed that besides improving your overall health and fitness levels, walking 10,000 steps daily can lower anxiety, depression, anger, fatigue, confusion, and total mood distress scores. (2)
DeerRun Walking Pad Treadmill
Whether you spend long hours at your desk or on your phone, add the DeerRun walking pad treadmill to your routine to stay active and meet your daily step goal. This treadmill has a powerful 2.5HP motor that goes up to 3.8 mph. Plus, it is silent enough to be used anywhere in your home.
The DeerRun walking pad treadmill weighs a meager 48 pounds (21.7 kilograms) but has an impressive 265 pounds (120 kilograms) user weight capacity. This treadmill also features two transport wheels on the front, making it easy to move around your home.
This 2-in-1 treadmill has a 35.5 x 15.5-inch deck length, making it suitable for the biggest athletes. Plus, its five-layer shock-absorbing belt minimizes strains on your lower body joints during long walks.
The DeerRun walking pad treadmill comes with a remote control that allows you to change its speed and turn it on or off. It also features a big and bright LED display on the front for easy accessibility. This walking treadmill is just four inches thick, which is small enough to store under your sofa after each use. Alternatively, you could store it vertically against a wall.
Who Should Buy DeerRun Walking Pad Treadmill?
- People who want a budget-friendly treadmill.
- Those who want a treadmill for their work desk.
- Individuals who want a remote-controlled treadmill.
Who Should Not Buy DeerRun Walking Pad Treadmill?
- People who want a treadmill for running.
- Seniors who want a treadmill with side rails.
- Those who want cardio equipment for HIIT training.
The DeerRun Walking Pad Treadmill is a budget-friendly, sturdy, and powerful cardio machine that will make meeting your daily step target convenient. It is small enough to store under a sofa and light enough to move around the house.
DeerRun Walking Pad Treadmill Coupon
DeerRun Walking Pad Treadmill Coupon
Best Under-Desk Cycle
Although running and walking are great for improving your overall health and well-being, some people dread training on a treadmill. Also, since running is a high-impact exercise, people with lower body joint, muscle, or ligament issues are usually advised to avoid it. However, you shouldn’t use these as an excuse to skip cardio. Instead, get the under-desk cycle to stay active, strengthen your lower body, and lose weight.
Himaly Mini Exercise Bike
The Himaly mini exercise bike allows you to burn calories and work on strengthening your lower body while you’re seated on your work desk, sofa, or bed. You could program multiple sessions of this mini exercise bike into your day.
Although compact, this exercise bike offers multi-level resistance that you can adjust by turning the tension knob on the front. It also has an LCD monitor to track your vitals, including time, calories, and distance.
This machine has anti-slip pedals and rubber feet to minimize the risk of slipping even during the most intense workouts. You could also use this machine for upper body exercises by placing it on a table. This machine weighs just 8 pounds and can be stored in small spaces.
Who Should Buy Himaly Mini Exercise Bike?
- People who dislike treadmills.
- People on a tight budget.
- Those who want to build stronger legs.
- Individuals who want light, portable, and compact lower-body exercise equipment.
Who Should Not Buy Himaly Mini Exercise Bike?
- People who want cardio equipment for HIIT training.
The Himaly Mini Exercise Bike is a lightweight (8-pound) machine that allows you to train your lower body while you’re at your work desk or watching Netflix on your couch. This low-impact exercise equipment is excellent for seniors who want to avoid a sedentary lifestyle.
Himaly Mini Exercise Bike Coupon
Himaly Mini Exercise Bike Coupon
Best Aerobic Stepper
Aerobic steppers are a hit among people who prefer high-intensity interval training (HIIT). You can use this compact exercise equipment to perform exercises that target your legs, upper body, and core, building strength and flexibility. It can also aid in improving your balance, coordination, agility, and losing weight.
BalanceFrom Adjustable Workout Aerobic Stepper
The BalanceFrom aerobic stepper comes with two 2-inch raisers that increase its total stack height to 6 inches, allowing an extended range of motion. This aerobic stepper has a textured upper surface to minimize the risk of slipping during a set.
Its 26.77 x 11.02-inch dimensions make it big enough for the biggest athletes. The BalanceFrom aerobic stepper uses ABS plastic, ensuring it will last a very long time. BalanceFrom offers this product in eight colors that can add a pop to your home gym.
This 6.6-pound (3-kilogram) training equipment is light enough to carry around the house and store in the smallest spaces. You could fit it under your bed or sofa or place it against a wall.
Who Should Buy BalanceFrom Adjustable Workout Aerobic Stepper?
- People on a tight budget.
- Those who want compact exercise equipment for HIIT training.
- People who are into highly versatile training.
Who Should Not Buy BalanceFrom Adjustable Workout Aerobic Stepper?
- CrossFitters and advanced trainers. Most experienced exercises usually employ a taller elevated surface like a plyo box in their workouts. Buying an aerobic stepper will take up valuable space in your home gym.
With over 13,200 4.5-star reviews on Amazon, the BalanceFrom Adjustable Workout Aerobic Stepper is the highest-rated product in the segment. BalanceForm backs this product with a two-year manufacturer warranty, making this an incredible deal.
BalanceFrom Adjustable Workout Aerobic Stepper Coupon
BalanceFrom Adjustable Workout Aerobic Stepper Coupon
Best Kettlebells
Kettlebells are undoubtedly one of the best weight training equipment. Kettlebells offer multiple benefits, including improved core strength and cardiovascular fitness, stronger posterior chain, boosted explosiveness and power, and quick and convenient low-impact full-body workouts.
Unlike dumbbells that evenly displace weight on each side of the handle, kettlebells have a center of mass that falls below the handle. This weight displacement leads to great stabilizer muscle recruitment in most exercises, especially overhead movements. Kettlebell training is incredibly effective in helping improve your overall physical functionality.
Yes4All Adjustable Kettlebell
Most home gym owners should opt for an adjustable kettlebell as they eliminate the need to buy multiple kettlebells of different weights, saving you significant real estate. Plus, purchasing a single set of adjustable kettlebells costs must less than buying multiple bells.
The Yes4All adjustable kettlebell uses removable cast iron plates that allow you to adjust its weight between 5 and 40 pounds. This adjustable kettlebell has a sliding selector and locking mechanism to change the weights. Its wide handle makes performing exercises like kettlebell swings and goblet squats more convenient.
This kettlebell is powder-coated, helping prevent rust and corrosion. Although the Yes4All kettlebell is adjustable, it retains the orthodox bell shape even with 10 pounds. This kettlebell has a wide enough flat base that makes it perfect for exercises like renegade rows, handstands, and mounted pistol squats.
Since most kettlebell exercises require a single kettlebell, it is one of the best strength training equipment for lifters building their home gym on a tight budget.
Who Should Buy Yes4All Adjustable Kettlebell?
- People who are into functional training.
- People who want an adjustable kettlebell that requires minimal maintenance.
- Lifters who want adjustable, compact exercise equipment for weight training.
- Those who want a kettlebell with a wide handle.
Who Should Not Buy Yes4All Adjustable Kettlebell?
- People who want fixed-weight kettlebells.
The Yes4All Adjustable Kettlebell is sturdy, well-built, budget-friendly, and will last you a lifetime. It should be among the first strength training equipment in a home gym, as it allows you to train all your muscle groups from different angles.
Yes4All Adjustable Kettlebell Coupon
Yes4All Adjustable Kettlebell Coupon
Best Dumbbells
Dumbbells are among the most popular strength training equipment. Many lifters favor dumbbells over other strength training equipment as they allow better movement mechanics, causing minimal joint strain.
Although many home gym owners dream about having a rack full of dumbbells, it is not the most optimal thing for a home gym. You want minimal equipment that allows you to accomplish maximum work; the adjustable dumbbell does just that.
Buxano Adjustable Dumbbell
The Buxano adjustable dumbbell offers five weight adjustments (11, 22, 33, 44, and 55 pounds), and you can switch between the settings by twisting the handle while it is placed securely in its holder. The locking mechanism is strong enough to withstand the most intense workouts.
The Buxano adjustable dumbbell has an excellent handle knurling, which improves your grip. A good knurling can help you hold onto the dumbbell for longer during grip-challenging exercises like the farmer’s walk, Romanian deadlifts, and walking lunges.
Unlike many other adjustable dumbbells on the market, the Buxano adjustable dumbbell is compact, ensuring the length and width of the weight plates don’t hinder your range of movement.
If you’re wondering why our pick for the best adjustable dumbbell costs more than double of the adjustable kettlebell, it’s because dumbbells are usually sold as a pair, whereas kettlebells are sold as a single piece.
Who Should Buy Buxano Adjustable Dumbbell?
- People who want a highly versatile dumbbell.
- Those who don’t want to buy adjustable dumbbells.
- Those who are not into kettlebell training.
- Lifters who prioritize mind-muscle connection and hypertrophy.
Who Should Not Buy Buxano Adjustable Dumbbell?
- People who primarily perform HIIT and cardio workouts.
- Lifters on a tight budget.
The Buxano adjustable dumbbell is an excellent five-in-one dumbbell for people of all experience levels. The quick locking mechanism of these dumbbells makes switching weights between exercises extremely easy and fast.
Buxano Adjustable Dumbbell Coupon
Buxano Adjustable Dumbbell Coupon
Best Barbell
Barbells are arguably the oldest strength training equipment and are employed in almost every strength sport, including Olympic weightlifting, bodybuilding, CrossFit, and Strongman. You must have a high-quality Olympic barbell in your garage gym if you want to move heavy weights.
Bells of Steel Utility Bar
Different barbells serve different purposes. Some barbells are specifically designed for Olympic weightlifting and have a decent whip and spin to accommodate the angle of pull and reduce athlete joint strain. On the flip side, powerlifting barbells are very rigid, as the goal is to lift as heavy as possible using a straight line of pull.
Hobbyist lifters should get a utility barbell, as it can be used in different types of training regimens. These barbells have adequate whip, knurling, spin, tensile strength, and weight capacity to perform a wide range of exercises.
The Bells of Steel utility barbell is a 7-foot barbell with 90,000 psi tensile strength and 1,000-pound weight capacity, allowing it to endure the most intense workouts. This barbell also offers Olympic and powerlifting markings to help you assume your position faster.
The sleeves of this 20-kilogram barbell are made with premium brass bushings for smooth rotations, which also makes adding and removing weights easier. This bar uses snap rings on the ends to improve its longevity.
Although there are many cheaper barbell options on the market, investing in a high-quality barbell can pay dividends in the long term. Cheap barbells tend to bend under heavy loads. On the flip side, a sturdy barbell will last you a lifetime.
Who Should Buy Bells of Steel Utility Bar?
- People who have a dedicated home gym.
- Folks with limited space in their home gyms.
- People who engage in a versatile type of training.
Who Should Not Buy Bells of Steel Utility Bar?
- People on a shoestring budget.
- People who don’t want to invest in weight plates.
The Bells of Steel Utility Barbell is an incredibly versatile bar that can be used in different training regimens to boost your overall performance, strength, and well-being. It is an excellent barbell for exercises like the bench press, squat, deadlift, and Olympic lifts.
Bells of Steel Utility Bar Coupon
Bells of Steel Utility Bar Coupon
Best Weight Bench
The weight bench is a must-have for serious lifters. Besides using a weight bench for strength training exercises like the bench press, seal rows, and box squats, you can use it for plyometric training. Since a weight bench can take up considerable space in your home gym, we recommend getting a foldable bench that you can store in a small space after each use.
Flybird Adjustable Strength Training Bench
The Flybird foldable weight bench has a sturdy build, a wide and comfortable back pad, and an 800-pound weight capacity that is ample for most home gym owners. When folded, this bench has a 9-inch footprint, allowing you to store it in tiny spaces.
The Flybird foldable weight bench offers seven back pad, three seat, and two footrest adjustments. It allows you to train your target muscle groups from different angles, ensuring overall development.
This bench has a robust locking mechanism, which makes adjusting the bench’s angles quick, convenient, and secure. The 2-inch soft padding of this bench improves your training experience even when lifting heavier weights.
At $140, this Flybird training bench is one of the most feature-packed, budget-friendly adjustable benches on the market. Plus, it is backed by a 1-year warranty on the frame and a 30-day cover on the pads, making it an excellent value-for-money option.
Who Should Buy Flybird Adjustable Strength Training Bench?
- People who want a high-quality weight bench for their home gym.
- Those with limited space in their home gym.
- Those who want a weight bench with incline and decline capabilities.
Who Should Not Buy Flybird Adjustable Strength Training Bench?
- Lifters who want lumbar support on their weight bench.
- Those who want an ergonomically designed weight bench.
With over 23,400 4.5-star reviews on Amazon, the FLYBIRD Adjustable Strength Training Bench is among the highest-rated foldable weight benches. Its high-quality, sturdy construction and eight backrest adjustment settings make it an excellent choice for folks looking to level up their training.
FLYBIRD Adjustable Strength Training Bench Coupon
FLYBIRD Adjustable Strength Training Bench Coupon
Best Foldable Squat Rack
Many exercisers believe that the squat rack is a gym’s centerpiece. A squat rack is especially important for a home gym if you’ll be doing barbell back squats or bench presses, as it makes these exercises safer.
Squat (or power) racks can be bulky and can take up significant space in your home gym, and most people don’t have enough space to accommodate them in their home gyms. This is where foldable squat racks come into the picture.
PRx Performance Fold-In One Squat Rack
Foldable squat racks are incredibly compact, making them accessible for most home gym owners. The PRx Performance is a wall-mounted squat rack that you can fold in toward the wall after each use and free up space in your home gym.
This squat rack has a 1,000-pound weight capacity and comes with two UHMW J-cups and a pull-up bar. The sturdy uprights of this squat rack are made of 14 gauge 2 x 3-inch steel. It has ⅝-inch holes and 2-inch spacing that are compatible with most power rack attachments sold on the market.
The PRx Performance foldable squat rack is powder-coated, which enhances the durability of the equipment. You could purchase the spotter arm attachments for this squat rack for improved safety. The founder and President of PRx Performance debuted their product on Shark Tank in February 2016 and secured $80,000 in funding from high-profile investor Kevin O’Leary. They have been going strong ever since and have made it into the Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Company list for four years.
Who Should Buy PRx Performance Fold-In One Squat Rack?
- Lifters who want to perform squats and bench presses in their home gym.
- People who want to train for hypertrophy.
- People who train alone.
Who Should Not Buy PRx Performance Fold-In One Squat Rack?
- People on a tight budget.
- Those who train in their living rooms.
- People who mainly want compact exercise equipment for HIIT or cardio training.
The PRx Performance Fold-In One Squat Rack is one of the best foldable racks on the market. It is sturdy enough to handle 1,000 pounds and compact enough that it only measures 6.75 inches in length when folded. People who work out alone in their compact home gym should consider adding a foldable squat rack to their equipment arsenal.
PRx Performance Fold-In One Squat Rack Coupon
PRx Performance Fold-In One Squat Rack Coupon
Best Cardio Equipment
Most people get a gym membership to get access to the cardio equipment. However, if you only go to the gym to use the cardio machines, you should consider buying a couple of them for your home gym.
Having training equipment in close proximity improves your likelihood of sticking to your fitness regimen in the long term. Cardio equipment like the Concept2 SkiErg is an excellent choice for a home gym as it is compact and takes up very little space.
Concept2 SkiErg
The Concept2 SkiErg can help build muscular and cardiovascular strength and endurance using the poling motions integral to both techniques of Nordic skiing. Plus, home gym owners with limited space can bolt the SkiErg to a wall, significantly reducing its footprint.
The C2 SkiErg is an integral part of many CrossFit metcon WODs (workout of the day). This machine has a PM5 Performance Monitor that provides immediate, accurate performance data during and after your training session.
The damper on the flywheel allows you to set the machine’s resistance level as per your training needs. The powder-coated aluminum body of the C2 SkiErg can take a beating; it is backed by a limited two-year and five-year warranty.
Cardio machines are usually the most expensive training equipment in a home gym. However, they are worth every penny, as they can help you lose weight, improve your cardiovascular strength and endurance, reduce stress and anxiety, and improve your sleep and metabolism.
Who Should Buy Concept2 SkiErg?
- People who want compact cardio exercise equipment for their home gym.
- CrossFitters or people who mainly perform HIIT workouts.
Who Should Not Buy Concept2 SkiErg?
- People on a tight budget.
- Those who are not a fan of cardio training.
The Concept2 SkiErg is the most recommended compact cardio equipment for home gyms with limited space. It can be bolted to a wall without affecting its functionality. The PM5 monitor gives reliable tracking stats to assess your fitness levels.
Concept2 SkiErg Coupon
Concept2 SkiErg Coupon
Best Skipping Rope
For folks who understand the importance of cardio training but don’t want to spend north of $1,000 on an advanced cardio machine or train outdoors, we have the next best option — skipping rope. Skipping ropes are inexpensive and help spike your heart rate to get you all the benefits of cardiovascular training.
Lifeezy Speed Jumping Rope
Thanks to the rise of CrossFit, jumping ropes have returned to the mainstream. Jumping rope is a full-body workout that helps boost your cardiovascular system, muscle power and strength, athletic performance, and cardiovascular strength and conditioning.
Jumping ropes come in varying shapes and sizes. CrossFitters or people who want to improve their jump rope skills should avoid the cheap plastic skipping ropes and instead favor speed ropes for advanced variations like the double or triple-unders and crossovers.
Our pick for the best skipping rope is the Lifeezy speed jumping rope. This product’s high-quality construction and spin ball bearing system allows you to fly through your sets. It comes in seven poppy colors that will make it stand out.
Who Should Buy Lifeezy Speed Jumping Rope?
- People on a shoestring budget who don’t want to spend $1,000 on a high-tech cardio machine.
- Those who love skipping rope.
- CrossFitters.
Who Should Not Buy Lifeezy Speed Jumping Rope?
- People dealing with lower body joint issues who have been advised to stay away from high-impact exercises.
Folks who want to work on their cardiovascular fitness but don’t want to spend an exorbitant amount on a cardio machine should get the Lifeezy Speed Jumping Rope. This high-quality jumping rope is perfect for challenging yourself with more advanced skipping variations.
Lifeezy Speed Jumping Rope Coupon
Lifeezy Speed Jumping Rope Coupon
Best Gymnastic Rings
Gymnastic rings are incredibly versatile compact exercise equipment for upper body training. People who don’t want to drill the gymnastics rings into the ceiling can attach them to an elevated surface like the arm of a basketball pole.
Pacearth Wooden Olympic Gymnastics Rings
The 1.10-inch thick Pacearth wooden Olympic gymnastics rings are made with birch wood, making them incredibly sturdy; these have a weight capacity of 1,500 pounds. These gymnastic rings come with 14.76-foot marked straps and robust buckles to ensure safety.
Pacearth gymnastic rings include two rolls of hand tape in the box. These are made of sweat-wicking material and also add comfort. Gymnastics exercises have a slight learning curve, and you must give your body enough time to adapt before trying high-skill gymnastics movements like ring muscle-ups.
Who Should Buy Pacearth Wooden Olympics Gymnastics Rings?
- People who want to perform high-skill gymnastics exercises.
- Exercisers of all experience levels.
- People into functional fitness.
Who Should Not Buy Pacearth Wooden Olympics Gymnastics Rings?
- People who only want to purchase full-body training equipment.
- Those who don’t have somewhere to hoist the rings.
Pacearth Wooden Olympic gymnastic rings have a 1,500-pound weight capacity. Its 1.5-inch thick marked straps are secured with thick buckles. These rings are 1.26-inch wide with an Inside diameter of 7.04 inches.
Pacearth Wooden Olympic Gymnastics Rings Coupon
Pacearth Wooden Olympic Gymnastics Rings Coupon
Best Weighted Vest
Weighted vests can help take your bodyweight workouts to the next level. You could use them for running workouts or while performing exercises like push-ups, burpees, box jumps, and rope climbs.
Runmax Adjustable Weighted Vest
The Runmax adjustable weight vest has a 20-pound weight capacity. The weight pockets are distributed over the front and back for better stability. You can also purchase the shoulder pad attachment for added comfort.
This weight vest has a phone pouch and a wired earphone hole on the front. It keeps you entertained and your phone secure during long runs. Remember, increase your weighted vest training volume gradually. Going too hard too soon can lead to overuse injuries.
Who Should Buy Runmax Adjustable Weighted Vest?
- Exercisers who want to upgrade their bodyweight workouts.
- People who want to make their runs more challenging.
Who Should Not Buy Runmax Adjustable Weighted Vest?
- Beginner runners. You should only start weighted runs after you’ve built the necessary muscle, bone, and ligament strength.
The Runmax adjustable weight vest comes in different variations (20 pounds to 150 pounds). Unlike most other weighted vests on the market, this vest prioritizes comfort and functionality.
Runmax Adjustable Weighted Vest Coupon
Runmax Adjustable Weighted Vest Coupon
Best Exercise Mat
Irrespective of your training objective, you must focus on your mobility. Whether you are a yogi or stretch before or after a workout, you must invest in a quality exercise mat.
Amazon Basics Extra Thick Exercise Mat
Amazon Basics has hit the nail on its head with this exercise mat. Some exercise mats are so thin that your knees drive into the hard floor through the mat, making your workouts uncomfortable and borderline painful.
The Amazon Basics exercise mat is ½-inch thick and offers comfortable padded support and shock absorption. Its textured surface provides extra traction and ensures you don’t slip during exercise like the downward dog.
Who Should Buy Amazon Basics Extra Thick Exercise Mat?
- Yogis.
- People who perform floor exercises.
Who Should Not BuyAmazon Basics Extra Thick Exercise Mat?
- Those who prefer a thin yoga mat.
The Amazon Basics extra thick exercise mat is a must-have in all home gyms. It is great for floor exercises and can be stored in a cupboard after each use.
Amazon Basics Extra Thick Exercise Mat Coupon
Amazon Basics Extra Thick Exercise Mat Coupon
What is a Compact Exercise Equipment?
Most gym equipment, like commercial treadmills, power racks, and bench presses, is bulky and takes up a lot of space. However, most home gym owners have limited real estate and need compact exercise equipment that can be stored away after each use. As the name suggests, compact exercise machines are the smaller version of commercial training equipment. These take up limited space in your home gym without compromising functionality and effectiveness.
Benefits of Compact Exercise Equipment
Adding compact exercise equipment to your home gym entails the following advantages:
- Compact: The equipment on this list takes up minimal space in your living room or garage gym, and you could tuck them away in a small corner after each use. Plus, most of the training equipment listed above has a small enough footprint that you can take them along with you while you’re traveling.
- Ready To Use: Most compact exercise equipment requires minimal assembly and takes less than five seconds to set up.
- Budget-Friendly: Compact exercise equipment are shrunken down versions of their commercial counterparts and cost almost half.
- Trains Multiple Muscle Groups: Most training equipment listed in this article is versatile and can be used to train multiple muscle groups, delivering incredible bang for your buck.
What to Look For in Compact Exercise Equipment
Here are the things you must consider before buying compact exercise equipment:
- Dimensions and Storage: People with limited home gym space must consider the training equipment dimensions and the storage space they will require. Getting machines that are too big can make your training space feel cramped.
- Usage: Select the compact exercise equipment based on your training objectives. New home gym owners should choose diverse equipment to add variety to their workouts.
- Versatility: Prefer getting exercise equipment that can be used to train multiple muscle groups and can be used in diverse programming.
- Weight Capacity: You must consider the weight capacity of exercise equipment before making a purchase. Although sturdy machines might cost you a little extra upfront, they will last you a very long time.
How We Ranked the Best Compact Exercise Equipment
We used the following criteria to pick the best vibration plates:
- Categories: We picked the best compact exercise equipment in multiple categories that you can employ in different programming.
- Value: Each category is flooded with products. For this review, we handpicked the products that get you the best bang for your buck.
- Brands: Top brands have high manufacturing standards and a robust customer service mechanism.
- Reviews: We sifted through hundreds, if not thousands, of customer reviews on Amazon to bring you the best products in each category.
Wrapping Up
In this article, we covered 17 diverse compact exercise equipment to help you achieve your fitness goals. Depending on your budget, training objective, and available space, choose one or two equipment that resonate the most with you and that you can use at least thrice weekly.
For starters, we recommend getting at least one cardiovascular machine like the Concept2 SkiErg and one strength training equipment like the Yes4All Adjustable Kettlebell, as they will broaden your training horizon and help improve your overall fitness levels and well-being.
References
- Krzysztofik M, Wilk M, Wojdała G, Gołaś A. Maximizing Muscle Hypertrophy: A Systematic Review of Advanced Resistance Training Techniques and Methods. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2019 Dec 4;16(24):4897. doi: 10.3390/ijerph16244897. PMID: 31817252; PMCID: PMC6950543.
- Yuenyongchaiwat K. Effects of 10,000 steps a day on physical and mental health in overweight participants in a community setting: a preliminary study. Braz J Phys Ther. 2016 Jul-Aug;20(4):367-73. doi: 10.1590/bjpt-rbf.2014.0160. Epub 2016 Jun 16. PMID: 27556393; PMCID: PMC5015672.
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